Age Friendly Ireland | COVID 19 Daily Update

Please see attached today’s COVID 19 Daily update also available online here

 

Today’s quote:  ‘’Be moderate in prosperity, prudent in adversity’’

and

Bram Stoker’s Dracula was first published on the 26^th May, 1897 !

 

Have a lovely evening.

Mary Creedon

Age Friendly Ireland | COVID 19 Daily Update | Tuesday, 26th May 2020

Age Friendly Ireland Daily News_260520

Celtic Interconnector Update from Eirgrid

 

Dear Stakeholder

 

I am writing to you from EirGrid, the semi-state company that is responsible for developing, managing and operating the electricity transmission system in Ireland (the “grid”) with an update on the Celtic Interconnector project. 

 

The Celtic Interconnector will provide an electricity link between Ireland and France and you can find full information on how the project has developed to date on our website at http://www.eirgridgroup.com/the-grid/projects/celtic-interconnector/related-documents  

 

At EirGrid we follow a six-step approach to developing the grid and in Winter 2019-20 we carried out our Step 4 Consultation. This consultation sought out stakeholder views on the emerging best performing landfall location, associated cable routes and converter station sites required to progress the development of the project. The intention was to gather feedback to further inform the project development. 

 

A report on this consultation activity is now available at the link above.

 

This report captures feedback from stakeholders in regard to the project options currently being considered in Step 4 of the project's development.  

 

The proposals made by us for the converter station site dominated the consultation responses received. During the consultation, a number of respondents to our public consultation stated a preference for Site 1 - Ballyadam as the most appropriate location for the location of the converter station given the existing industrial and commercial activity in the area. Feedback received from local and national elected representatives also recommended full consideration should be given to a suitable location within Site 1.  

  

We indicated at the start of the consultation that work to determine a suitable converter station location within Site 1 - Ballyadam would continue. Work has progressed and having reviewed available studies and site investigations previously carried out in the area, we have established that more focussed site investigations should be carried out over the coming months.   

 

At this stage, further work is required before a final decision can be made regarding where exactly each element of the project should be built. We expect to be in a position to make this decision towards the end of the year and will issue a further update at that time.  

 

In the meantime we are publishing our Step 4 consultation report and will respond to as many of the issues raised as we are able to at this point in time.   

  

We want to continue to engage with stakeholders and communities as the project develops. On confirmation of the options being progressed, we will set up a Celtic Interconnector Community Forum so we can work together with local communities to reduce impacts and maximise benefits for those living and working in the area.  

 

We will continue to make every effort to keep you up to date on the project and provide opportunities for you to influence its development.  If you have any questions in regard to this Step 4 update and the project in general please don’t hesitate to contact either myself, Eoghan O’Sullivan (087 247 7732) or Michelle Walsh (085 870 4999). We would be happy to take your call.  

 

Yours faithfully, 

 

Eoghan O’ Sullivan

Community Liaison Officer

 

Mobile: +353 87 247 7732

Reception: +353 1 237 0000

 

www.eirgrid.com

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Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business

Not for generations has Ireland been faced with a health threat as serious as COVID-19 and the

daily life of every single person has been changed. In the early weeks, as this pandemic was

emerging, Government and our health and social care service monitored the evolving global

situation, deployed our plans and started to prepare for the disease’s likely impact in Ireland. At

the same time, businesses, organisations, communities, families and each of us individually were

becoming informed, changing our individual and collective behaviours so that we would know what

to do, and do the right things as COVID-19 found its way closer.

Within a very short few weeks after the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Ireland at the end

of February 2020, as with other EU countries, it became necessary to take unprecedented steps to

control the disease. A tiered approach of public health social distancing measures was first advised

by An Taoiseach on 12 March, and these measures were further strengthened on 24 March and

again on 27 March, extended to 5 May to continue to suppress transmission of the virus.

The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out how the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted.Ireland is now in Phase 1 of the roadmap.

Right now - the advice is still to stay at home as much as you can. 

To learn more and Download the Roadmap Click Here.

VAT Compensation Scheme Deadline extended

In response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the operation of business, the closing date for submission of claims under the VAT Compensation Scheme has been extended this year to 31 August 2020.

This extension is a temporary measure and applies to claims submitted in respect of eligible VAT paid by charities in 2019. Charities are encouraged, however, to continue to submit their claims as early as possible via Revenue's Online Service (ROS).

Further information about the Scheme is available on the Revenue website by searching “VAT Compensation Scheme for Charities”.

Singing for the Brain on Zoom

Singing for the Brain on Zoom

 Starting Wed 6^th May 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Everyone welcome to tune in online

Join Zoom Meeting on the web
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88306658520?pwd=aS85WVpycEdTbW5xT1FLOGV1Y2QvQT09
Meeting ID: 883 0665 8520
Password: 022192

Singing for the Brain brings people together through songs, stories and smiles. There is plenty of evidence to show how singing is good for our brain but our general wellbeing too. Everyone is welcome to our interactive singing group, no singing experience necessary!

How to Join - For you to join a ZOOM Singing for the Brain Group, 
You simply need to follow the link above . There is technical assistance available to get you set up on Zoom.

For more info please ring Mary on 087 4622616 (mornings)

Volunteer Leadership Training

Hi All,

Please see attached poster for Volunteer Leadership Training which will take place via zoom in June. 

With society slowly reopening and many organisations looking to re-engage their volunteers, the principles of good volunteer management practice are more important than ever. 

Normally, we deliver the course face to face over two days at a charge of €100 (lunch included). 

We are now offering the course over four mornings at a discounted rate of €40 as a means to support the sector in any way that we can. 

I would sincerely appreciate you circulating this information to your networks and apologies for any cross postings. 

--

Kind regards,

Gosia

Gosia Waldowska Placement Officer (Outreach) Cork Volunteer Centre Phone: 021 425 1572 Mobile: 086 852 3462 Address: 13 North Main St. Cork, T12 Y6W0 CHY: 19850 Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20078195 Website: www.volunteercork.ie

Visiting the Offshore Islands:

Visiting the Offshore Islands:

‘The Covid-19 pandemic is having a noticeable effect on the way in which we are and will be, over the short term, undertaking our day to day activities. It is of paramount importance that the highest priority be given to the health and welfare of the community. The Department is keenly aware of the concerns among the island communities regarding visitors to islands, particularly in these summer months. In accordance with phase 5 of the recently published roadmap issued by the Government for the reopening of Ireland’s economy and society, it is not envisaged that Ireland’s offshore islands will be opened for visitors until 10 August.  The roadmap can be viewed here https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/?referrer=/roadmap/. Accordingly, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht reminds individuals, save for the permanent residents of those islands and those undertaking essential services, do not visit our offshore islands until 10 August. It is recognised that we are all in an unprecedented period, which creates challenges for us all. That said, these challenges will be best overcome if we work in partnership for the benefit of the communities we serve’ (Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, May 8^th 2020).

Local Link Update – Spare Capacity

Local Link Update – Spare Capacity

While public/rural transport is operating, the numbers travelling are low presently. Accordingly there is spare capacity available. I would like to target this capacity into the provision of transport to medical appointments or medically related requirements. Again to reiterate that the vehicles which are mostly minibuses have the necessary room to allow for social distancing and particularly where the trips are designed for one person perhaps with a travelling companion.

There is ample anecdotal evidence to suggest people are not attending to medical appointments due to the lack of transport options available. Local Link Cork will endeavour to provide transport throughout the County over the next while. Each request will be assessed on its own basis and will as far as possible be provided at no cost to older and vulnerable people and people with disabilities. Naturally this will not be sustainable long term but during the present pandemic restrictions and while we have capacity to respond the service will remain available as outlined. Also to note the transport is fully accessible.

If you need any further clarification, see contact numbers hereunder:

For requests in North or East Cork contact the Fermoy office on 025-51454 damien@locallinkcork.ie and for West Cork contact the Bantry office on 027-52727 jack@locallinkcork.ie

Kind Regards

David

Cork City Community Response

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Mental Health Ireland have a number of online resources for
people suffering with ill mental health during COVID19.
From a list of all available mental health services to ‘five ways to wellbeing’
there is even a guide on how to get a good night’s sleep during this
stressful time – they have a whole section dedicated to minding
your mental health during COVID19. 

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Connect

Make time each day to Connect. Connect with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. By staying connected and nurturing these relationships we feel happier and more secure, giving us a better sense of purpose.

Be Active

Look for ways to be active everyday. Go for a walk or a run. Step outside. Cycle, play a game, garden or dance. Discover a physical acitivity you enjoy which suits your lifestyle and level of mobility and fitness. Research has shown being physically active can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Take Notice

Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Be Curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Pay attention to the present moment – to your thoughts, feelings and to the world around you.

Keep Learning

Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Cook a new recipe. Take on a new responsibility. Setting yourself a new challenge and learning a new skill will increase your confidence which can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Give

Giving to others is good for you. Do something nice for someone else. Thank someone. Volunteer your time or join a community group. See yourself and your happiness linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and create connectedness with the people around you.

Extension of Deadline for Creative Schools Applications:

Extension of Deadline for Creative Schools Applications:

The deadline for the application of the next round of Creative Schools has been extended until Thursday 25^th June 2020.  Please find the relevant details here.  This is a great opportunity for schools to really understand what is involved in Creative Schools and still have time to apply for the next round.

Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 on Saturday 13th June

Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 on Saturday 13^th June

Josepha Madigan TD, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced details of Cruinniú na nÓg 2020, Ireland’s national day of free creative activities for children and young people under the age of 18. Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 is a collaboration between the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Creative Ireland Programme, local authorities and RTÉ, and is part of the Government’s #InThisTogether campaign which is supporting everyone to stay connected, stay active and look after our physical and mental wellbeing. Announcing Cruinniú na nÓg 2020, Minister Madigan said: “Creativity and culture are powerful means through which children and young people can explore communication and collaboration, stimulate their imaginations to be inventive and harness their innate curiosity. Creativity also helps to encourage social responsibility and personal qualities related to wellbeing such as resilience, empathy, and a capacity for connection and friendship. Over the past 2 years Cruinniú na nÓg has been a key point in the calendar for children and young people to try something creative, develop an appetite for discovery and acquire new skills – and 2020 will be no different.”

 In light of the public health restrictions currently in force, the Creative Ireland Programme and its partners have developed a number of creative, cultural and engaging “calls to action” which children, young people – indeed entire families – can create in their own homes and gardens on Saturday 13^th June. Highlights will include:

·         Céilí in the Kitchen – A collective call to action for children, young people and their families to create a Céilí in their kitchen for Cruinniú, with Áirc Damhsa, who will guide us through the Irish tradition of these communal social events that take place in houses.

·         Let's Go Fly a Kite – A collective call to action for children, young people and their families to make and fly a kite for Cruinniú, in your county colours. On Saturday 13^th June, in partnership with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, in your back yard or on your street, with your back to the wind slowly let your kite leave your hand and watch it majestically rise into the air. 

·         Become a Story Keeper – Fighting Words and Great Lighthouses of Ireland are inviting young writers between the ages of 7 and 12 years to become Story Keepers – to create a story inspired by lighthouses.  Lighthouses are places of wonder that can provide safety and guidance on a journey through danger.

·         Create a Video Game App – If you could click your fingers and create a video game app, what would it be? A racing game or a coin collector? A target game or a platform? The choice is endless and it’s time for you to decide. Let us know and together with Whizz Kids Training, via their ground-breaking Digital Skills Virtual Classroom, we will help bring young people into the world of software design in 4 easy tutorials.

Online supports and resources are being provided by the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with Áirc Damhsa, The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, Great Lighthouses of Ireland, Fighting Words, Whizz Kids Training and RTÉ to enable children and young people to unleash their creativity. Everyone is invited to celebrate our culture and creativity and to start taking part online now, as we prepare for Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday 13^th June 2020. Further details and resources will be available from the Creative Ireland website and RTÉ platforms up to and including Saturday 13^th June – see www.creativeireland.gov.ie and www.rte.ie. In addition, local authorities will also be hosting a range of cultural and creative activities and online events for Cruinniú na nÓg – full details will also be available at www.creativeireland.gov.ie. Minister Madigan added: “Central to the vision underpinning the Creative Ireland Programme is the belief that participation in cultural and creative activity promotes the wellbeing of the individual, the community and the nation. Looking after our physical and mental wellbeing is more important now than ever, and this is why only recently An Taoiseach launched the #InThisTogether campaign from Healthy Ireland – an initiative in which my Department and the Creative Ireland Programme are playing our part.”