

- Sep 24, 2019
4 Districts Fun Day A Great Example of Powerful Community Spirit
t was an action-packed weekend in Rathcoole and the Four Districts villages of Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas. This year saw the 7th annual 4 Districts Fun Day take place. The successful event attracted over 1,500 people who came down to support the day. Speaking about the event, local Councillor Emer Higgins who helps organise it said, "It was great to see so many families (and their dogs!) having fun and enjoying the entertainment at our 7th Family Fun Day." "The


- Sep 21, 2019
Rathcoole Teenfest Bringing Teens Together
Last weekend Rathcoole Teenfest kicked off in style at Rathcoole Boys FC. Teenfest is the brainchild of Rachel Boggans and her daughter Ellie, who wanted to establish a relaxed festival style, safe event for local teenagers. This year featured a glow disco, football darts, selfie mirror and BBQ. Everyone received a goodie bag with reminders on how to protect their mental health and look out for one another. “This is a fantastic and novel idea to celebrate our teens and their


- Sep 17, 2019
Water fountain rollout needs to be faster and more ambitious
South Dublin County Council need to be more ambitious in their plans to install public water fountains, a Fine Gael councillor has said. Clondalkin councillor, and Dublin Mid West General Election candidate, Emer Higgins said the council’s roll-out of just one fountain and only a handful more planned is very disappointing. “Public water fountains are an excellent way to reduce plastic waste, encouraging people to refill reusable water bottles for free. “In terms of our Climat
- Sep 16, 2019
Cllr. Emer Higgins encourages budding filmmakers to bring their sustainable energy ideas to the big
Fine Gael Cllr. Emer Higgins is encouraging students from primary and post primary schools to enter this year’s SEAI One Good Idea competition. Students will create a one-minute film and campaign to inspire people to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. This year, four regional finals will be held in Omniplex cinemas around the country. Students will see their film on the big screen and present their campaign to a panel of judges. Regional winners from each event will the


- Sep 16, 2019
Companies need to step up to the plate to tackle excess packaging
Companies need to step up to the plate and tackle excess packaging ahead of a planned crackdown on producers of unnecessary plastic waste, a Fine Gael General Election candidate, Cllr. Emer Higgins, has said. Under the Climate Action Plan the Government has pledged to incentivise producers of waste, especially packaging, to prevent waste and promote recyclable materials. Cllr. Emer Higgins explained, "A pilot ‘eco modulation fees’ scheme is to be rolled out later this year. T
- Sep 9, 2019
Time to consider compulsory litter warnings on cigarette packs
Litter warnings on cigarette packages could help reduce the serious problem of cigarette waste which is destroying our environment, a Fine Gael councillor has said. Fine Gael councillor, Emer Higgins, said it is clear we need to reassess our approach to the problem of cigarette ends which account for the majority of litter in Ireland. Cllr Higgins said: “We have seen welcome progress in driving down the number of smokers in Ireland. Last year the Healthy Ireland Survey found
- Sep 2, 2019
Inclusion of Rowlagh Primary Care centre in HSE capital plan a welcome boost for local healthcare
Rowlagh Primary Care centre has been allocated funding under the HSE capital plan, a Fine Gael councillor has confirmed. Cllr Emer Higgins said the much-needed primary care centre will have a huge impact on local healthcare. She said: “It is excellent news that this primary care centre is included in the HSE’s three-year capital plan. The area will benefit hugely from having a top-class primary care centre. This project has been a long-time coming and it is imperative now tha