A number of weeks ago, we in Lusk Action Group submitted comprehensive letters of complaint to the National Transport Authority, Dublin Bus and Go Ahead regarding the many ongoing service and capacity issues. Since then, the issue has been brought up in Dáil discussion by Louise O’Reilly TD and we have been on Newstalk radio talking about the issues and with the support of Minister Joe O’Brien, we have met with NTA and with Dublin Bus in recent weeks to discuss these issues and how resolution is planned. Issues can be complex, from heavy city traffic to lack of drivers and lack of mechanics, which keeps vehicles off the road. What is most needed is accurate information and an accessible complaints system. For Dublin Bus issues (33, 33X), including late arrivals, non-arrivals, ghost buses, buses passing passengers, and driver issues, please keep a note of the date, the time and the issue and email both Dublin Bus and Lusk Action Group. Once we have more detailed information, it gives us much more weight is any discussions with the operator.complaints@dublinbus.ie and copy us at luskactiongroup@gmail.com We await our meeting with GoAhead.

On our Facebook and Instagram pages ILoveLusk, we put up quick posts in relation to available grants and then point you back to our main website – www.lovelusk.ie. Even within the ‘Community Grants’ page, we provide a summary of the grants and a link to the full information. While our web page lovelusk.ie/home/community-grants/ may only give a brief description of the grant, don’t be put off by the wording. Click on the link supplied by us, bringing you to the relevant section of the grant providers’ website. If you need examples of how this grant was used by other groups, most websites provide a list of recipients in prior years and give brief descriptions about their projects. These descriptions are brilliant as you now have examples of accepted projects. You can decide if any of these projects would or could apply to your organisation. If you feel you need extra clarity, most groups have either a website or a Facebook page and so if you need to, you can contact them and from our own experience, they are more than happy to talk. On our Facebook and Instagram page, we have also posted about the Community Water Development Fund, which is currently open. Examples of previous local recipients were provided – Balbriggan Tidy Towns, OWLS (Children’s Nature Charity) and Swords Tidy Towns, as well as the possibility of applying for this grant for a feasibility study into rain water harvesting systems, showing how St. Maur’s GAA received funding from LEADER to help with harvesting rain water from the roof of their clubhouse. In other words, this grant could be a stepping stone for further available grants. It would be very easy to miss this wide-ranging grant. So, get into a habit of looking at the grants page on our website, clinking into the links provided and reading the extra information that is contained there. Don’t be put off by the wording and, with the examples provided of prior approved projects, think within and outside the box. Then don’t forget to apply!

Following a question to the Council management from Cllr Rob O’Donoghue there was welcome news on the progress on the development of the sports hub in Lusk. Following environmental screening of aspects of the proposed Recreational Hub on Rathmore Road in Lusk it is necessary to undertake a survey and impact assessment work over the winter months. Once these works are complete, it is the Councils plan to submit proposals for approval to An Bord Pleanála in quarter two of 2024. The Question: posed by Cllr O’Donoghue asked: ““To ask the Chief Executive to provide an update on the environmental assessments taking place at the Lusk Sports Hub, when do the Council expect to have the assessments completed and if feasible, inform the Committee of which planning application route will be pursued next in order to deliver the proposed sporting amenities at Lusk Sports Hub?” In their reply the Council said, “Further to environmental screening of aspects of the proposed Rathmore Recreational Hub in Lusk it is necessary to undertake further survey and impact assessment work over the winter months. The Council is now planning to submit the proposals for the Recreational Hub for approval to An Bord Pleanála in Q2 of 2024.” Councillor O’Donoghue stated ‘following many years of hard work by the clubs and community stakeholders on the recreational hub project, we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. The provision of the much-needed facilities for the people of Lusk at the Hub has moved forward with a timeline given for the seeking of planning permission. I am happy to continue to champion this project and keep the pressure on at Council level.’ In other Council news following several questions and motions over the last year requesting that the R127, from New Haggard to Blakes Cross to be resurfaced to aid cyclists and motorists, the section of the road has been assessed and will be considered for inclusion in the Regional Roads Capital Programme in 2024. The actual Question asked by Councillor R. O’Donoghue was “ To ask the Chief Executive if consideration can be given to evaluating the road from Blake’s Cross to Newhaggard, Lusk for resurfacing in the forthcoming Programme of Works?” The Reply from the Council Engineer was, “This section of road in question has been assessed and will be considered for inclusion in the Regional Roads Capital Programme 2024.”

What better way to train than indoors in these winter months, while still reaching your fitness goals, learning a new skill, learning to possibly become an Olympic champion and become disciplined than at Junsa Taekwondo. We have been busy taking on new students all the while our older students are honing their skills for tournaments and the upcoming club grading. We have also had a visitor form Brazil who brought loads of knowledge to the club.

It’s been that part of the year when the lead up to the autumn marathons meets the start of the Cross - Country season so most of our club athletes have been in action of some kind. Well done to all our juveniles who have taken part in the first two cross country leagues and to all our adult members who have completed a marathon or other race recently.

The club Christmas party and awards night takes place on Friday 8th December so don’t forget to buy your tickets. Have you listened to our podcasts ? There are ten episodes available so far and they are full of excellent interviews with club members and well-known personalities from the world of athletics.

The TAP BAR is open to Christmas Reservations – Reserve Tables/Section in our Tap Bar! Get in touch now!! Nursery, LGFA, AMFC, GAA Boys and Girls – The Club would like to invite new members to play GAA – Please Get in Touch! September Round Towers U11 Boys took to the field and thanks to Good Counsel Liffey Gaels for the game on a sun soaked TAP2. Before our League game, some of our 2011 boys presented Gerry Butterly of Airport View and Secret Spa,Blakes Cross, with an O’Neills top. Airport View have kindly sponsored the squad. With a great menu at Winters Restaurant and Spa in one location, you can truly relax. October Round Towers U13 boys were delighted with the support at their hurling match in Round Towers on the day of the official opening of the new Astro pitch. They had an impressive league match win against St Anne’s. September Round Towers Adult Men’s Football Committee (AMFC): What an amazing night we had at our monthly retired members and friends evening on Tuesday (28th September) night in the club. We had some very special guests in attendance. Sam Maguire, Brendan Martin, Liam McCarthy and the Fr Larry Murray cups were accompanied by men’s and ladies Dublin senior players Carla Rowe, Caoimhe O’Connor and Lorcan O’Dell. If anyone would like an original copy of the photos taken at the event please contact Ciara Smyth directly on 087 6152958. The Traditional Music Night on the last Tuesday of the months has been a huge success Entertainment – The TAP Bar in GAA club in Lusk has got some fantastic events coming over the month and would be delighted to see you there and enjoy some Live music: (A) Cliché – 4th November – (B) Poker Classic – 10th November (C ) Odd Couple – 18th November. More to be confirmed check our TAP Bar Facebook page! Enjoy sporting events on the big screen in the TAP on the Big Screen. TRAD Night – Last Tuesday every month great music night session in the TAP Bar Stay posted on Facebook on upcoming events..Enjoy GAA matches and other sports event with light refreshment on large screen in TAP BAR. Outdoor seating area available.

Lusk ICA recently held a Coffee Morning in the Top Shop, which was a great success, and we want to extend a big thank you to everyone who baked and donated all the lovely gifts for the raffle. The figure raised was a wonderful €3,230. We also want to extend our congratulations to Dublin Federation ICA on coming 2nd in the National Pitch & Putt Competition in the Seapoint Pitch & Putt Club. Returning to the activities of Lusk ICA, 10 Of our ICA ladies recently enjoyed a wonderful overnight stay in TV chef Nevin Maguire’s McNean House & Restaurant in Blacklion County Cavan. The ladies said the food was exceptional with every course perfectly presented and the tastes were unique and amazing. We also want to remind all our members that some of our Ladies meet to go sea swimming in Rush every Saturday morning at 11.00 and all members are welcome to join them.

Annual Christmas Card launch will take place on Friday 17th November, 2023 in Murray’s Bottom Shop at 8.30 pm. All welcome. This is the 34th year of the Tidy Towns Cards. The thought and act of sending a Christmas Card is part of an exchange of esteem, long cherished by Irish people. To send a card with a sight and sound of Lusk makes everyone’s friend feel special. Mass for the deceased at Balrothery Union Graveyard will be held on Sunday 5th November at 11.30 Mass in St MacCullins Church, Lusk Congratulations to Lusk Tidy Towns Committee on improving their Marks by 9 points and being placed third in Dublin in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition and to everyone involved in keeping Lusk Tidy. Results in their category 7 Large towns section: (1st place) Skerries – (2nd place) – Shankhill – (3rd place) Lusk. Well done and congratulations to our neighbouring towns.

It was with heavy hearts recently that we bid farewell to a true hero and friend whose unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our community. Knel Deeb R.I. P was one of the first to volunteer for Lusk Action Group when we set it up some years ago and quickly established himself as a key member of the committee who got a lot of things done without fuss or fanfare. Knel was warm and engaging and loved a good debate, he was never afraid to touch controversial subject matter and was genuinely interested in people and what their own interests and passions were, he wanted to ensure that all angles to a problem were considered and discussed. Knel loved his town and was genuinely committed to making it a better place for everyone. His contributions were as diverse as they were impactful. Outside of the Action Group, Knel was also involved in so many ways in other groups within the community. Coaching the under 10’s in Lusk United, being a member of Lusk Autism Friendly Town committee, litter picking regularly, being our safety officer for the Lusk Summer Festival, founding organiser of our Christmas Lights, helping the ICA out when they needed it and, of course, being a part of our own committee, it may be a small comfort that Knel, the son of Lusk who cared so deeply about his community was also very much loved in return. Knel had time for everyone, always a chat or a laugh or kind words. He quietly got on with doing small things for people, that made a big difference. He was a devoted family man, to his wife Martha and to his children Natasha, Nathan and Aidan, his parents Maeve and Abraham and his five sisters: Seren, Yvette, Nyssan, Kyma and Ryam and cousins. To you all, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences on your profound loss.

Rest in eternal peace, dear friend. Your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who
were fortunate enough to have known you.

Cllr Rob O’Donoghue has welcomed the completion of works on the Rush and Lusk Educate Together and the handing over of the green space opposite the Forge estate to the charge of Fingal County Council. The works on the Rush and Lusk Educate Together Building are now completed. The contractor is due back to site to carry out some snagging and maintenance work to the Rain Gardens and issues that were identified through an independent Road Safety Audit. O’Donoghue commented ‘I would like to congratulate Principal Noel and all the team in RALET on the completion of the building of the new premises for the school. Over the last few years Noel has really driven the project forward in the face of previous issues with securing a contractor and both the staff and parents of the school can look forward to using the completed facility and bringing the school to new heights.’ In other Council news, FCC has as of the start of October taken the green space opposite the Forge on the Lusk Bypass into their charge. Councillor O’Donoghue stated, ‘the taking in charge of this land has been a long time coming, I am happy that it is finally over the line and available for public use. I have already spoken with the Operations department regarding getting permission for the sports clubs and other amenities to allowed to use the space for training and provision of services. In a town with clubs with large and expanding memberships the use of this space will hopefully go some way to addressing their acute need for training space.